Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 8
शैवधर्मप्रशंसा तथा पञ्चविधसाधनविभागः / Praise of Śaiva Dharma and the Fivefold Classification of Practice
स चायं परमो धर्मः परधर्मस्य साधनम् । धर्मशास्त्रादिभिस्सम्यक्सांग एवोपबृंहितः
sa cāyaṃ paramo dharmaḥ paradharmasya sādhanam | dharmaśāstrādibhissamyaksāṃga evopabṛṃhitaḥ
اور یہی پرَم دھرم پرَ دھرم (موکش دھرم) کے حصول کا وسیلہ ہے۔ دھرم شاستر وغیرہ معتبر گرنتھوں نے اسے اس کے تمام اَنگوں سمیت درست طور پر مضبوط اور مؤید کیا ہے۔
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not a sthala account; it asserts that ‘supreme dharma’ functions as sādhanā toward the ‘higher dharma’ (mokṣa-oriented), and is systematized by dharmaśāstras as auxiliary supports—consistent with Siddhānta’s structured upāyas.
Significance: Frames śāstra-guided discipline as preparatory and supportive for liberation; encourages integrating ethical-ritual order with yoga/jñāna rather than opposing them.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that true dharma is not merely social duty; when grounded in śāstra and practiced as a complete discipline, it becomes a direct means toward the higher dharma—liberation under the grace and lordship of Shiva (Pati).
In Shaiva practice, outer worship (Saguna Shiva/Linga) is one of the ‘limbs’ of dharma; when performed according to śāstra with right understanding, it purifies the pashu (bound soul) and supports ascent toward the higher, liberating realization of Shiva.
Follow śāstra-guided Shaiva observances as a complete discipline—regular Linga-pūjā with mantra (especially the Panchakshara), along with supportive limbs like purity, right conduct, and devotion—so practice becomes a means to higher dharma.